Teaching Assistant – Reception

About the role

A warm and inclusive primary school in Coventry is looking for a dedicated Reception Teaching Assistant to join their Early Years team on a full‑time basis. The school is seeking someone with strong SEND experience and a background in Nursery or KS1, as the role involves supporting young children at the earliest stage of their learning journey.

You’ll work closely with the class teacher to support children with communication, early literacy, play‑based learning and emotional regulation. This role is ideal for someone who is nurturing, patient and confident working with pupils who may need additional support.

Requirements

• Experience working in EYFS (Reception or Nursery) or KS1
• SEND experience is essential
• Strong understanding of early years routines and play‑based learning
• Ability to support pupils 1:1, in small groups and across the classroom
• Confident assisting with phonics, early reading and early maths
• A calm, nurturing and consistent approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow teacher direction and use initiative
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing

Day‑to‑day duties

• Supporting children in Reception with early learning and social development
• Providing tailored support to pupils with SEND
• Assisting with phonics, early literacy and early numeracy activities
• Helping children with communication, play and emotional regulation
• Supporting behaviour using positive, consistent strategies
• Preparing resources and maintaining a safe, engaging learning environment
• Working closely with the class teacher and SENDCo
• Contributing to a warm, inclusive and nurturing early years setting

Why choose Zest

Zest Education is known for its friendly, honest and supportive approach. You’ll work with a consultant who understands Coventry schools and is committed to finding the right environment for you. We offer competitive pay, clear communication and ongoing support throughout your placement.

If you are interested in this position or want to find out more, email Harleigh at Harleigh@Zesteducation.co.uk or ‘apply for job’ at the top of the page to submit your details.

Zest Education are an APSCo audited agency and are dedicated to safeguarding children. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS (or allow us to process one for you) and be registered to the DBS Update Service, be able to provide references to cover the last two years and successfully pass all other necessary safeguarding checks prior to clearance for work.

Salary is dependent on experience, training, or qualifications. The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required for this position are recent school-based experience (within the last 5 years within a school that teaches the British Curriculum) and/or care-based experience within the last 5 years.

The role advertised is for temporary supply work.

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